An arrest warrant is a document given to law enforcement by a court of law, which gives them permission to detain and arrest a suspect. While an arrest warrant is not proof of guilt, it does denote suspicion of a crime and should be taken seriously. If an active arrest warrant is out for you, then law enforcement may arrest you at any point they come into contact with you.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to be caught off guard. While you should never, under any circumstances, attempt to evade law enforcement, being informed of an arrest warrant allows you to meet them on your own terms, and can set you up to take the best actions regarding your safety.

There are several methods available to search for an arrest warrant, with varying degrees of efficiency.

Use an online public records database

An online public records database is a website, such as SpyFly, that can provide you with items of public record. This includes, criminal records, mugshots, and yes, arrest warrants. Not only is SpyFly accessible from a mobile device, but it’s also discrete. SpyFly doesn’t report that a search was made to the person you’re searching for. It also doesn’t inform the government of the search, allowing you to remain anonymous while searching.

Visit a federal district court

As a federal court issued the arrest warrant, they’re required to keep records of it. All you need to do is ask a county clerk to search for an arrest warrant, and pay a small fee. However, you will have to wait for the county clerk to get to your request, as they have many responsibilities and queries to make already. In addition, many courts are understaffed, and a few aren’t digitized, which may increase the time you need to wait.

Visit a sheriff’s office

Since the warrant is supplied to law enforcement, they’ll possess it within their department. If you need to gain access to it, you can simply visit the sheriff’s office, and speak with an officer on duty. They’ll be sure to direct you towards someone who can help you, who will then help you search for the warrant.

However, it’s important to note that if you’re searching for your own warrant, then it’s likely that an officer will arrest you on the spot. After all, you’re literally in their station, and if they have an active warrant for your arrest, they’d be insane not to seize the opportunity. It’s better to meet them on legally informed terms, although the dramatism of giving yourself up at the station may be tempting.

Speak with a local attorney

Law offices are almost always looking for new clients. As such, they maintain a private legal database of their own, which includes documents such as an arrest record. If you speak with an attorney, they’ll be able to assist you in your search. However, they will also try to represent you, and may not assist you in your search if you’re not a client. Nonetheless, having an attorney to represent you is an essential step when dealing with the law, and will eventually be a necessary portion of your proceedings if you do possess a warrant for your arrest.

As you can tell, an online public records database is by far the most convenient, and reliable way to search for an arrest warrant. Once again, we stress how vital it is that you do not attempt to evade the law, and rather use the information you’ve gained to inform you on how to proceed.

***SpyFly provides consumers affordable, immediate access to public record information. Federal laws prohibit businesses from using SpyFly’s service to make decisions about employment, insurance, consumer credit, tenant screening, or for any other purpose subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq.***